It seems hardly a week goes by at the moment without a news item on the uptick in interest in crafts like knitting. Over the last 18 months, so many people have found or returned to knitting … what a wonderful thing! We often get asked to suggest books suited to beginners, and today we’ve collected those recommendations together. So if you are learning to knit and looking for help, or have a loved one who is, this post is for you!
Read moreFinished Smora and Managing Colourwork Ends
Have you joined in our #ShetlandTrader3KAL yet? It has been so fun seeing the stunning patterns from Gudrun’s latest book hop onto needles the past few weeks! And I (whispers) have actually already finished a project! Say hello to my Smora Beret!
Read moreTechnique-Forward Designs from Emily K. Williams
It’s been really fun seeing folks Findhorn Wraps grow block by block, strip by strip! The design is the brainchild of the talented Emily K. Williams and is her first design for an Arnall-Culliford publication. Emily K. Williams is a designer based in the Scottish highlands with a penchant for designs that are innovative and technique-forward, making her a perfect fit for Confident Knitting. I couldn’t have been happier when she agreed to come on board for the project!
Read moreThe Best Gifts for Knitters
Somehow, it’s mid-November! Where I am, twinkle lights have started appearing in the town square and festive music is playing in the shops. I don’t know about you, but usually, the holiday season sneaks up on me a bit. This year though, I’m determined to make my preparations early, so I can avoid any Covid-Brexit-posting stress and enjoy a relaxed lead up to the holidays. To help you with your own holiday prep, we’ve put together a special “Gifts for Knitters” section of the online shop.
Read moreQuadra Cowl
How many rainbow FOs (finished objects) is too many? I’m asking for a friend…
Just kidding, we all know the answer to that: you can never have too many rainbows! Well, I can’t anyway. Can’t stop, won’t stop knitting rainbows!
Read moreLong-Tail Cast On, But Make It Stretchy (Video Tutorial)
Hands up, who here has used the long-tail cast on? If you’re anything like me, the long-tail cast on is something you use a LOT. It’s fast, it’s stable, it’s fairly flexible. There’s a lot to love about a long-tail cast on! But … there’s the odd occasion it can let you down. Give you an edge that’s a little too firm or a little too tight. In those situations, what is a knitter to do?
Read moreNo End In Sight (Russian Join Video Tutorial)
Does anyone like to weave in ends? Some people must enjoy it … find it calming and meditative, a nice moment where you reflect on what your hands have created and officially finish off the project (well, until you block it). I would like to be the kind of knitter who could really find joy in weaving in ends. But I am not. I am the kind of knitter who will leave a finished object in a pile for weeks, just because I can’t face the ends. Or do a quick and poor job of securing my ends, threatening to ruin a perfectly nice hand knit in my impatience to be done. The Russian Join is a perfect solution to these problems.
Read moreShetland Trader Book Three: The Accessories + KAL IS LIVE!
Our Shetland Trader Book 3 KAL kicks off today, and we couldn’t be more excited! Two months of hanging out with Gudrun Johnston, knitting some breathtaking designs, learning and enjoying one another’s company … and of course, some really juicy prizes. More on all that in a second, but first, let’s have a whistle stop tour through the accessories that feature in Shetland Trader Book Three. These would be perfect if you’d love to join in the KAL fun, but don’t want to commit to a garment … and a great opportunity to try skills on a smaller skill and make something nice for yourself, or your handmade gift pile!
Read moreShetland Trader Book Three: The Dresses
Have you ever fancied a knitted dress? If so, you’re in luck! Gudrun Johnston’s newest book, The Shetland Trader Book Three: Heritage, features not one, not two, but three stunning knitted frocks. Like all the patterns in this knockout book, the dresses marry 1970s aesthetic with modern sensibilities for beautiful and highly wearable pieces. And each dress features some different Shetland knitting techniques to try! I’m willing to bet that, even if you don’t think your wardrobe needs a dress, once you see these, you’ll change your mind. The designs are just. so. good. Shall we have a peek?
Read moreMake It Modular! (Confident Knitting Video Tutorial)
Have you seen Emily K. Williams October Confident Knitting design yet? It’s the stunning Findhorn Wrap, an Anni Albers-inspired stole that makes use of textured rectangles of different colours to achieve it’s dramatic effect. And it’s all made possible by modular knitting!
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